A common theme in my coaching experience is leaders who advance because of what they are good at, then stagnate in the new role due to adaptability issues. In Asia, most leaders are pragmatic and achieve results through raw drive and focus. When they move up the corporate ladder where people management should take centre-stage. They struggle to move from a task oriented to a people oriented way of leading.
Here’s my take on how pragmatic leaders can be more transformational in their approach.
Leadership is a crucial aspect of any organization. Leaders guide their followers to achieve a common goal. Different leadership styles have been identified over the years. Two of the most popular leadership styles are Pragmatic Leadership and Transformational Leadership. This article will compare and contrast these two leadership styles and their impact on organizations.
Pragmatic Leadership:
Pragmatic leadership focuses on practical solutions and results. It is a leadership style that emphasizes the importance of getting things done. A pragmatic leader is goal-oriented and focused on achieving the set targets. The pragmatic leader is not too concerned about the process or the means to achieve the results as long as the outcome is achieved. This style of leadership is prevalent in organizations that operate in high-pressure environments, where results are essential.
Transformational Leadership:
Transformational leadership is a style of leadership that emphasizes the importance of transformational change. A transformational leader is focused on inspiring their followers to achieve a common goal.
The transformational leader is a visionary who has a clear picture of where they want their organization to be in the future. They inspire and motivate their followers to achieve that vision. Transformational leadership is prevalent in organizations that seek to bring about significant changes or innovation.
Similarities:
1. Both styles of leadership are focused on achieving results. Pragmatic leaders want to achieve the set targets, while transformational leaders aim to achieve their vision.
2. Both styles of leadership are focused on influencing their followers. Pragmatic leaders influence their followers by being goal-oriented, while transformational leaders inspire and motivate their followers.
3. Both styles of leadership require good communication skills. Leaders need to communicate their expectations and vision clearly to their followers.
Differences:
1. Pragmatic leaders are focused on getting things done, while transformational leaders focus on transformational change.
2. Pragmatic leaders are not too concerned about the process or the means to achieve the results, while transformational leaders focus on the process and the means to achieve their vision.
3. Pragmatic leaders tend to be more transactional, while transformational leaders tend to be more inspirational.
4. Pragmatic leaders tend to be more hands-on and involved in the day-to-day operations of their organization, while transformational leaders tend to delegate more and focus on the bigger picture.
Both leadership styles have different impacts on organizations.
Pragmatic leadership is useful in organizations that operate in high-pressure environments, where results are essential. A pragmatic leader can make quick decisions and take action to achieve the set targets. However, this style of leadership can lead to a lack of innovation and creativity. It can also lead to a lack of employee engagement, as employees may feel like they are only being used to achieve the goals of the organization.
Transformational leadership, on the other hand, is useful in organizations that seek to bring about significant changes or innovation. A transformational leader can inspire and motivate their followers to achieve their vision. This style of leadership can lead to increased employee engagement, as employees feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. However, this style of leadership can be challenging to implement, as it requires a clear vision and a lot of communication with employees.
In conclusion, both pragmatic and transformational leadership styles have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice of leadership style to use depends on the organization’s goals and the type of environment it operates in. Pragmatic leadership is useful in high-pressure environments, while transformational leadership is useful in organizations that seek to bring about significant changes or innovation.
Regardless of the leadership style used, good communication, and clear expectations are essential to achieve the set targets or vision.
Here are three specific behaviors a senior executive could adapt to shift from a pragmatic leadership style to a more transformational leadership style:
1. Communicate a clear and inspiring vision: Transformational leaders are focused on inspiring and motivating their followers to achieve a common goal. A senior executive can become more transformational by communicating a clear and inspiring vision for the organization’s future. This vision should be communicated in a way that inspires and motivates employees to work towards achieving it. The senior executive can also involve employees in developing the vision to increase their buy-in and engagement.
2. Empower employees and delegate more: Pragmatic leaders tend to be more hands-on and involved in the day-to-day operations of their organization. However, transformational leaders delegate more and focus on the bigger picture. A senior executive can become more transformational by empowering employees and delegating more responsibilities. This can give employees a sense of ownership and responsibility for their work, leading to increased engagement and motivation.
3. Develop a coaching and mentoring mindset: Transformational leaders focus on developing and supporting their followers. A senior executive can become more transformational by adopting a coaching and mentoring mindset. This involves providing regular feedback to employees, coaching them to develop their skills and abilities, and mentoring them to help them achieve their career goals. This can lead to a more engaged and motivated workforce, as employees feel supported and valued by their leader.
Blogs by Theresa Goh …. February 2023